New Delhi: After big names like Beijing Olympians Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar turned professional boxers, two more pugilists have joined the list.
Among them are 2004 Athens Olympian Diwakar Prasad and MMA champion fighter Pawan Maan.
Ahead of their maiden bout, most likely in April, the two boxers will start their training under the guidance of foreign trainers in Gurugram.
The Jharkhand boxer has earned accolades for India in many international events, including the Commonwealth Boxing Championship 2003 (Bronze), Asian Olympic Qualifiers 2003 (Bronze), Asian Games Qualifiers 2004 (Silver), SAFF Games 2004 (Bronze) and Grand Prix Boxing 2006 (Silver).
"I have given a good time to armature boxing. Now, it is time to turn professional," Diwakar Prasad told News18.com in an interview.
"I believe this is a great step in my boxing career, I love boxing and what better way to live my dreams than to turn towards professional," he said
"This is a great platform for me, turning a pro boxer from MMA fighter. I am really excited to start my pro training soon. I know pro boxing is really a big challenge, but I am ready for it and looking forward for my debut," he said.
2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Amandeep Singh turned professional last year. He has fought two bouts and won both so far. He is the third boxer signed by IOS.
"I am really excited on joining IOS since they have delivered excellence in the field of professional boxing. After successful debut of Vijender Singh, I feel this is the right decision to join IOS Boxing Promotions and prove my talent in the circuit of professional boxing," he said after the signing.
The WBC Asia welterweight champion Neeraj Goyat is also signed by IOS on Monday. The 26-year-old Neeraj made his professional debut in 2011 against Gou Wen Dong in China. He has fought 12 bouts with an experience of 71 rounds under his belt and claimed eight wins, with two knockouts.